Away goal can spell departure

THE Socceroos have had plenty of experience with World Cup playoffs, but one is looming larger than the others ahead of tomorrow night’s decider with Honduras.

Across six previous playoffs, only once did the Socceroos begin with an away draw.

That was Iran in 1997 and no one in the national team camp needs reminding about how the home leg went.

For two statesmen of the team – Tim Cahill and Mark Milligan – it was a formative football memory, and a devastating one at that.

“I was just a young pup then,” Cahill said. “I remember it was a sad moment.

“We were a fully loaded squad then and it was heartbreaking not to qualify.”

As they aimed to reach the 1998 Cup in France, the Socceroos took a 1- 1 draw back from an away leg in Tehran.

Goals from Harry Kewell and Aurelio Vidmar at home at the MCG put one Australian foot into the World Cup, only for Iran to score two late goals.

The final result was 3- 3, with Australia’s then 24- year wait to play at the World Cup lengthened by four years due to the away goals rule. The Socceroos’ inability to hit the back of the net means a score draw tomorrow will send Honduras through on away goals.

“With the away goals ( scenario), that’s why I say we’re on an even par with them coming into this match,” Milligan said.

“It’s still up in the air.”